Silent Embers
By: David O’Keefe
The matron found it quaint, as she watched the
Waifs depart, how loudly the fire burned
At times. Yes, there were nights when the crackling
And hissing were as low as the spirits
Of its patrons, but more common still, the
Flames would make their presence known, and would not
Yield before they had exhausted their own
Devices. A single child returned,
And was ushered inside by the grande dame;
Locking hands, the pair ventured to the youths’
Chambers, and all was well in the house, once
Again. Returning to the outside, she
Was dispirited to see what remained,
Because those silent embers were not flames.